Car is too jacked up to look sleek. I hope that was just for the photoshoot.
First thing that came to my head with the rear lights was Nissan Maxima. Then 1990's Suzuki SUV fenders at the rear. I hate cars with chunky fenders. The truck look ruins it on a car.

 

when the CLS came out in the states, it orginally came with both the 5.0 liter and the 3.5 liter. Later they dropped it. I have a feeling we will get it, since the 306 is way more respectable than the 268hp in this class

 

Didn't know that about the V6. Man that thing must be rare. Never seen one on the road

 

jeez **** needs to be dropped, back looks like a Maxima (great post by Rashoodz), and front grill from the profile makes it look like a dodge charger...the CLS is (was) one of my favorite Mercedes in terms of design...I'd love to see it without the tape...

 

I also just read that its a 350...hmmm I guess that makes it more affordable? If anything they'll just jack up the prices of the 550...crap

 

back in 2005, the CLS started in the mid 60s. now its low 70s. I wouldnt be surprised if they put in the 3.5 liter with the hybrid powertrain to make a CLS450. That way, they can make the 550 in the high 70s, like they did with the S class

 

so i guess they are trying to make the car mainstream, rather than more exclusive. i can't say for sure if it's a good thing or not. in some sense, i like how lexus did with the sc430, bmw with the 645/650, mb with the cls500/550 (all rejected v6 version in the US)

 

I'll pass, the rear is korean/Asian, hip and side body lines are doing to much, the vertical grill takes away the frontend sleekness thus making it look fatty. All that said the car isn't ugly it's just not special anymore.

 

Def agree with you here. This looks like another one of those cars on the road in which it is gonna depend on the angle in which you view it, which will affect your liking of it. I HATE the BMW/Merc's "new" vertical nose design. Loks too polarizing, asthetically, especially from the side. The busy front end on the car is not too offensive, however there are some very hard angles which gives it personality. Rear end looks too much like the current Gen Maxima/next gen Infiniti M series; especially in the tails. The overall shape/design, even though Merc DID do it first, reminds me too much of the new Sonata(a car that just gets WORSE looking to me each time I see one). I don't totally hate the car,however I am not in love with this re-design either.

 

I guess I'll hold off juding the exterior until I see it in person. I totally disagree that they should bring the V6 version to the USA. It won't be exclusive anymore. Even still today people ask me what kind Benz I'm driving. I have no rims or tint on my car just the AMG package, I guess with mrsp being 82k I figure I didn't need to add anything. Hopefully once AMG add their package the car will look incredible again.

 

I just know with all the damn knock-offs (VW CC, the trillion Sonatas that will be sold, etc)this design never stood a chance. Its a shame really but the 3GS went through the same damn thing.

Will wait to see in person and surely the AMG kit/versions will look even better.

 

I've always thought the whole 4 door coupe thing looked terrible with the drooping trunk and rear end.

IMO, another terrible rear from Mercedes. It looks like a damn bug.

 

I want to see it in person before I conclude on the styling. Adding a modern V6 to the engine choices in the US market is a plus.

 

It's HOTT!

And will be on the "most wanted list" for buyers who can afford it when it drops, believe that!

Lovin the tail lights!

 

It would be interesting how the design would fare compared its predecessor. I mean, the design of the current model has set such a high standard of awesomeness for Mercedes Benz vehicle designs.

This would be interesting to watch (when official pics and live/first-hand photos come into play)